Helpful Score: 11
I loved this book. Rand's grasp of why he individual should be exulted and her explanation of why you are NOT (and should not be) your brother's keeper is timeless. It is a must read for anyone, especially those who think that "socialism" is only about the redistribution of wealth or of tax tables.
My only issues with it are the fact that EVERYONE was SO IN LOVE with the female heroine which seemed a bit indulgent. Also, personally, I would have picked either Francisco or Hank before John any day. And finally, the scene where John Galt addresses the masses in an expansive monologue is REALLY long. You would think that Rand was being paid by the word.
All in all though, this definitely makes my top 10 favorite reads of all time.
My only issues with it are the fact that EVERYONE was SO IN LOVE with the female heroine which seemed a bit indulgent. Also, personally, I would have picked either Francisco or Hank before John any day. And finally, the scene where John Galt addresses the masses in an expansive monologue is REALLY long. You would think that Rand was being paid by the word.
All in all though, this definitely makes my top 10 favorite reads of all time.
Helpful Score: 1
Atlas Shrugged is a best-selling novel by Ayn Rand, first published in
> 1957. The book describes a heroic struggle between the "individuals
> of the mind" who go on strike against the "moochers" and "looters" of
> the world. The heroine, Dagny Taggart, is a no-nonsense railroad
> manager who does not take fools lightly. She is pursued by three
> brilliant and charming men and finally joins them in withdrawing her
> services from a world that does not appreciate or reward people of
> genius and initiative. As a result of the successful strike the
> economy collapses and they begin to rebuild a world based on sound
> philosophical principles.
>
> The original of this book is over 1,000 pages in length. This
> recorded abridgement, on eight cassettes, captures the drama and
> excitement that made Rand's text a best seller in an entertaining
> format. The reading is excellent, with different voices for the main
> characters. Rand's philosophical ideas are there, but are not
> obtrusive.
> 1957. The book describes a heroic struggle between the "individuals
> of the mind" who go on strike against the "moochers" and "looters" of
> the world. The heroine, Dagny Taggart, is a no-nonsense railroad
> manager who does not take fools lightly. She is pursued by three
> brilliant and charming men and finally joins them in withdrawing her
> services from a world that does not appreciate or reward people of
> genius and initiative. As a result of the successful strike the
> economy collapses and they begin to rebuild a world based on sound
> philosophical principles.
>
> The original of this book is over 1,000 pages in length. This
> recorded abridgement, on eight cassettes, captures the drama and
> excitement that made Rand's text a best seller in an entertaining
> format. The reading is excellent, with different voices for the main
> characters. Rand's philosophical ideas are there, but are not
> obtrusive.
Glenn Rock Conner (rockconner) - , reviewed Atlas Shrugged (Audio Cassette) (Abridged) on + 57 more book reviews
Important, even seminal. The ideas are big, but are presented in a story that can be comprehended at a young age.
Edward Herrmann is absolutely spectacular as the narrator.
